US Rep. Rashida Tlaib holds up 'war criminal' sign during Israeli PM Netanyahu's address
Elissa RobinsonU.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, caught the attention of supporters and critics around the country on Wednesday during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address.
The Detroit congresswoman held a sign reading "war criminal" as Netanyahu spoke to Congress in a highly controversial address in Washington, DC. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotted the joint session, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Netanyahu referred to the pro-Palestinian protesters outside Congress and said he had a message for them. "When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting, and funding you, you have officially become Iran's useful idiots," he said, using a Cold War-era term for people who are manipulated for a political agenda.
After he delivered the quote, Tlaib avoided getting up as other representatives applauded. She then turned over the sign, which read "guilty of genocide" on its other side.
After the event, Tlaib posted on X, formerly known as Twitter:
"I will never back down in speaking truth to power. The apartheid government of Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians. Palestinians will not be erased. Solidarity with all those outside of these walls in the streets protesting and exercising their right to dissent."
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Tlaib, who was first elected in 2018 and became the first Palestinian American woman to join the U.S. House, has been a steadfast critic of Israeli policies in the Palestinian territories.
In another post, Tlaib said: "Netanyahu is a war criminal committing genocide against the Palestinian people. It is utterly disgraceful that leaders from both parties have invited him to address Congress. He should be arrested and sent to the International Criminal Court."
Tlaib's action drew attention from around the country, including voices of dissent from other members of Congress.
"Rashida Tlaib continues to be an absolute disgrace," Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., posted on X.
"Iran's useful idiot," wrote U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C.
Others praised Tlaib.
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